In a country of numerous different cultures and ethnicities, SHS exemplifies the diversity which exists in America. Students bring a wide array of unique experiences with them everyday to school, which helps to shape the identity that SHS prides itself on. “The Leaf” has dedicated this issue to exploring these stories.

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As we grow older, perspective is something that we all gain. Perspective is important to life. Once you have it, you become more aware of the people around you and what they think and believe. Your focus then shifts to become more encompassing of everyone’s beliefs, instead of just your own.

We have a unique opportunity at SHS to be exposed to many different cultures and types of people. We as a school represent over 50 countries with students speaking 30 languages, which is not something that is true across the country.

Diversity is important when talking about perspective. If we cannot have multiple types of people around us, then how can we find different ideas? Without diversity, we end up just reinforcing our own singular points of view.

That is why a mix of cultures is so important. It expands our views. It helps us learn about the world and how to communicate with different people about important issues and understand why and how they believe certain things.

Now more than ever, it is time to embrace our differences. As a society we are becoming more global when it comes not only to economics but also to sharing ideas. As we evolve as a society, we are going to seek answers. Those answers are not always going to be found within our country or with people who are the same as ourselves.

Whether they are political, ethnic, or ideological differences, it is important to embrace them. Whether or not you share the same beliefs, skin tone, or religion with another does not make you better or worse than them. It makes you different. That is something to be cherished, not condemned.

From student athletes to foreign exchange students, the SHS student community is comprised of people with individual backgrounds and unique lives.

Everyone has a story, and it is important that those stories be told. You cannot understand someone unless you hear their story. Who knows, maybe you will find more common ground than you previously thought.